Wasdale Head, Mickledore, Broadcrag Tarn, Scafell Pike, Corridor Route, Lingmell, Cumbria.
[ 10.9 km] Wed 21 Apr 2010

NY 1867 0857
I parked on the Green at Wasdale Head and took the path across the flat field to the footpath at the base of Lingmell. Over the footbridge I took an easy diagonal route up to the main ridge heading up Lingmell. I carried on over to Lingmell Gill and the main path heading up towards Mickledore. I reached the gill where a couple of men were heading upwards but having a short rest stop. I passed them and headed up. Soon after a couple of young men came charging past but soon stopped for a sit down. I continued up at a steady pace. Approaching Hollow Stones the path splits but I inadvertently took the left branch when I should have turned right.

A couple were stopped and having a rest so we chatted briefly and they asked the best way up Scafell Pike. I gave them some advice and cut across to pick up the Mickledore path. There were lots of recent bags of stones which had been helicoptered in and would eventually be used to upgrade the path. There was quite a bit of snow higher up and I wondered how the conditions would be on the final scramble. Up to the right I could see that Lord’s Rake was almost full of snow. The final climb to the top of Mickledore wasn’t too bad as the left side was clear of snow and there were plenty of finger holds on the rock face. I’d planned to have a coffee stop at the first aid box but when I reached it I changed my mind and decided to continue to Broadcrag Tarn. I wanted to visit the Tarn to see if the water was suitable for a future campsite. There is no path to the tarn so I continued up the main path towards Scafell Pike summit. As soon as I saw the tarn I left the path and picked my way carefully through the boulders until I reached the tarn. Although it is called Broadcrag Tarn it isn’t on Broadcrag, which is odd. It was a superb spot and the water was clear and fresh.

Broadcrag Tarn

Some snow was still hanging around but it was pleasant sitting in the sunshine sipping my coffee. I collected some water for a possible future camp on Scafell Pike, put the containers in my pack and headed up to rejoin the main path to the summit. On the top I met the couple I’d chatted to on the way up. I descended a short way to the east where there is a flattish area and small patches of grass. There were some possible areas to camp so I put the water containers under a large rock and sat down enjoy my butties. My descent was down to the col on the way to Broad Crag.

The unacceptable face of tourism on Scafell Pike

It was an easy descent to the col but now I had a problem as there was a very extensive and steep snow slope continuing down to the left. The snow was very hard and I couldn’t kick steps in for a safe descent. Although others had used the route previously their tracks were old and now frozen. Fortunately I had my ice studs in my pack so with them strapped to my boots I was able to descend reasonably safely.

At the Corridor Route path I turned left and back upwards towards Lingmell Col. I followed the minor path to the wall on Goat Crag and took the steep grassy slope down towards Lingmell Gill. The weather was still fine and the views excellent. Being a long steep descent I certainly felt it in my legs. I returned to my car via the path I’d used to climb up from the footbridge.

Wheatear birdsong on the way back.